As an Owasso High School graduate and a member of the LGBTQIA+ community, I am deeply moved to initiate this petition in memory of Nex Benedict, a non-binary student at Owasso Public School who endured long-lasting bullying at the hands of other students. Owasso Public Schools has shown a pattern of discrimination and indifference towards LGBTQ students and has not held bullies responsible for their actions. 

Nex's story is not isolated; many LGBTQIA+ students have come forward with harrowing tales about their experiences with the school officials since Nex's passing. It is a reflection of a larger problem—a problem of systemic bullying, discrimination, and a lack of accountability.

We are calling for change, for accountability, for transparency. We are calling for justice for Nex Benedict by demanding that a memorialized park bench be established on Owasso Public School grounds, funded by the school officials themselves. This will serve as both a tribute to Nex's memory and as a constant reminder of our collective responsibility towards ensuring safety and respect for all students regardless of their gender identity.

The tragic loss of young lives like that of Nex should never be forgotten nor repeated. According to The Trevor Project, nearly half (46%) of LGBTQ youth report they wanted psychological or emotional counseling from a mental health professional but were unable to receive it in the past 12 months.

By signing this petition, you are standing up against bullying and discrimination while advocating for safer schools where every student can thrive without fear. Let us stand together as one community and say, in one voice, that bullying will not be tolerated in our schools. Let us ensure justice is served for Nex Benedict - SAY THEIR NAME! Please sign this petition today as it will be presented to the school board on March 11th, 2024 at 6:30pm. Thank you.

Edit to add 02/28/2024:

"Police in Owasso, Oklahoma are walking back claims that Nex Benedict's death was "not a result of trauma" as at least one investigator has said he's examining the school bathroom attack on the non-binary teen as a possible murder."

"Officer Boatman acknowledged that the Owasso Police Department's statement "kind of came across as us being a voice piece for the school" and said that the OPD released its inaccurate statement to "head off some of this national scrutiny" around the student's death.

Boatman also said that murder charges are still "on the table" at this time."

Family of the student are leading their own investigation.